-
10 Questions with ... Josh Thompson
July 6, 2014
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. -
1) Josh, thanks for taking time to chat with us! You came out with your new album "Turn It Up" not very along ago. Is there a certain overall vibe to this album? Can you tell us the creative process behind your song choices and putting it all together?
The overall vibe is really just a party vibe. That's what the song choices were leaning towards. Something feel-good that you could throw on and listen to the whole thing. I wanted the project to be something where you could have a good time and let your hair down!
2) You co-wrote 9 of the 10 songs on the album. How important is it to you to write your own material?
It's important because if it comes from you, then that's who you are. I definitely won't overlook a great outside song though. There are a lot of great songs out there. I'm really open to everything.
3) Your current single off of "Turn It Up" is called "Wanted Me Gone." Can you tell us a little bit about that?
I call it the feel-good leaving song of 2014. It's really just an upbeat, makes you bob your head kind of song with an infectious chorus. It's about a relationship that didn't work out and stayed that way.
4) You recently decided to change your look up and cut off your pony tail, which was a big part of your image. What made you want to do that, and any crazy fan reactions because of it?
I just wanted a haircut, really! I told them to take a little off the top and they just took it too far. Haha! Nobody's broke down in tears over it yet, so I think we're alright there.
5) You've been on the road with a bunch of different acts. Who has been one of your favorite acts to be out on the road with and why?
Probably Hank Williams Jr. He's a living icon and has always been an idol of mine musically. I grew up listening to him, so being on the road with him was really cool-- getting to see his show every night and hang out with him was awesome.
6) How would you explain your music to someone who has never heard it? What do you want them to take away from it?
I would just describe it as simple, feel-good Country music. If they took away anything, it would be, hopefully, that the music is great and something they can jam to.
7) Tell us about the first time you ever heard your music on the radio. Where were you and what did it feel like?
I was on I-5 somewhere between California and Seattle. It was my first single "Beer On The Table" that we heard on the radio. It was the weirdest, most amazing thing ever-if that makes any sense. It's kind of odd hearing yourself on the radio, but it was an experience that left me in awe. You put so much work into it and then finally there you are and it was almost surreal.
8) You grew up in Wisconsin, what is/was the Country scene like there?
Country music is huge in Wisconsin. The people that aren't from there, or haven't been there, don't know that. But, the artists that play there do. I think Wisconsin has the most outdoor Country festivals than any other state. I think there's like 14. It's a three-day party with nonstop Country acts and the fans love it. I think they're just looking for an excuse to party, so they throw these big events!
9) Speaking of Wisconsin, what were your go-to radio stations to listen to when you were a kid?
My hometown station was FM 106- WMIL in Milwaukee! That's what I grew up listening to.
10) It's no secret that the state of Country music has evolved over the years. What is your favorite kind of "Country" music to listen to? 80s, 90s, current Country, etc?
I'm a big fan of 60s and 70s Country music. I'm a big fan of Haggard, Conway, George Jones; all of those guys.
Bonus Questions
What song is out there right now, any genre, that you can't stop listening to?
I would say "Young Wild Girls" by Bruno Mars.
-
-